88 | SEPTEMBER 26 • 2019 

E

ncores will resound throughout 
the 2019-20 season of the Detroit 
Symphony Orchestra (DSO) as 
performers and community celebrate the 
100th anniversary of Orchestra Hall. 
The venue, known for its topnotch 
acoustics and diverse talent, will showcase 
programming from its 1919-20 season 
and through the years as its history also 
is recalled through TV and web produc-
tions, exhibitions and a book.
The foresight shown by Ossip 
Gabrilowitsch, who insisted on a new hall 
after becoming music director in 1918, 
will be emphasized. One hundred years 
ago, Gabrilowitsch, a conductor-pianist 
with Russian-Jewish heritage, wanted a 

state-of-the-art facility.
Architect C. Howard Crane developed 
Orchestra Hall as part of an impressive 
career that includes work on the Fox 
Theatre, Detroit Opera House and the 
remodeling of Temple Beth El into the 
Bonstelle Theatre.
Orchestra Hall, enduring through times 
when the DSO moved into other venues 
for various reasons, will be remembered 
as housing the Paradise Theatre, which 
hosted jazz legends. This season calls 
attention to the music of Duke Ellington 
and Louis Armstrong, among many other 
jazz luminaries. 
In 2003, Orchestra Hall became part of 
the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music 
Center. Known as The Max, it was named 
after the late philanthropists also support-
ive of causes in the Jewish community. 

MARKING 100
As the orchestra enters its milestone 
season, it enjoys performance updates 
brought about with the leadership of 
Leonard Slatkin, who transitioned into 
music director laureate after a 10-year 
tenure. Slatkin, also of Jewish heritage, 
oversaw the development of the William 
Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series 
and web programming.

Arts&Life

music

Hallowed
Hall

DSO will honor 
Orchestra Hall’
s 100th 
anniversary with a 
hallmark concert … 
and more.

SUZANNE CHESSLER 
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

TOP: Orchestra Hall, the 100-year-old 
home of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, 
is known for its topnotch acoustics. 

HART HOLLMAN